FLORENCE, Ala. - The Valdosta State volleyball team struggled to find rhythm on Friday night in Florence, Ala., and as a result, dropped the match 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25- 13) against Gulf South Conference foe North Alabama.

The Blazers (12-2, 7-2 GSC) appeared sluggish from the outset and were unable to match the offensive performance of the Lions (14-3, 8-1 GSC). North Alabama saw three players hit .400 or better in the contest, and as a team, the Lions put together a .343 hitting effort. In contrast, Valdosta State was unable to produce a solution for UNA's defense, which posted 10 blocks and 56 digs.

The opening frame featured a close set with five ties in the early going, but UNA took off at the 13-13 mark with a 12-6 run that gave the Lions a 25-19 win and a 1-0 advantage in the match.

Valdosta State started the second set with two straight points, beginning with a kill by Antia Rodriguez-Sanchez. The Lions responded quickly, however, with five straight points of their own. From that point forward, the Lions allowed the Blazers to tie the set at 19-19, 20-20, and 22-22, but the Blazers were never able to take a lead and ultimately fell 25-22.

In the third and final set, Valdosta State used an attack error by Lexie Bradley to cut UNA's lead to one point at 8-7, but North Alabama took complete control of the match from that point forward. The Lions scored seven straight to take a 15-7 advantage, and following a VSU timeout, North Alabama closed out the match with a 10-6 run.

Jessica Austin led the attack for the Lions with 12 kills and no errors in 23 attempts, which resulted in a .522 hitting performance. Ashtyn Kapovich topped the Lions with 15 digs, and Andrea De Leon dished out 40 assists.

For the Blazers, Rodriguez-Sanchez represented the leading attacker with 12 kills, while Lea Jaklen led on defense with 14 digs.

The Blazers return to action tomorrow in Hunstville, Ala., with a 3:00 p.m. EST matchup against the rival Chargers of Alabama-Huntsville. Blazer Nation can catch the match live with coverage available at www.vstateblazers.com.